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1 Trade Each NFL Team Should Consider Before the 2026 Season Starts
The NFL trade rumor mill is usually quiet before training camp, but the chatter will ramp up ahead of final roster cuts on August 30.
In a final effort to fill roster needs, bolster depth and deal players who have fallen out of rotations, general managers could be aggressive on the trade market before Week 1. They may also need to replace injured players or find temporary fill-ins.
Let's get ahead of the late-summer roster movement with one trade each team should consider before the opening week of the upcoming season.
Most of these moves are smaller deals for late-round draft capital, reflecting the market's reality at this point in the offseason. In some cases, players are listed twice—as a trade candidate with their current team and as a trade target for another club.
AFC East
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Buffalo Bills: Trade a late 2027 pick for Baltimore Ravens NT John Jenkins
Buffalo will move defensive lineman Deone Walker to nose tackle. He could strengthen the Bills' 28th-ranked run defense from the previous season, but it's a lot of pressure to put on the second-year pro.
In addition to Walker's position shift, the Bills should check in on a proven nose tackle. The Ravens hired a new coaching staff, and Jenkins, who's 37, may not be in their short-term plans. The 6'3", 360-pounder has registered at least 39 tackles (three for loss) in three consecutive seasons.
Miami Dolphins: Trade a mid-round 2027 pick for Carolina Panthers WR Xavier Legette
Based on overall career production, the Dolphins have the worst wide receiver corps. If they want to see quarterback Malik Willis make strides as a first-time, full-time starter, the club should look to bolster its pass-catching group. Miami could inquire about Legette, who may need a change of scenery.
Through two seasons, Legette has caught 84 passes for 860 yards and seven touchdowns in 31 contests. As a former first-round pick, he's underwhelmed, but a new opportunity to be the No. 1 wideout in Miami could lead to increased production.
New England Patriots: Trade a late 2027 pick for Houston Texans S M.J. Stewart
New England lost safety Jaylinn Hawkins to the Baltimore Ravens in free agency. Although the Patriots signed Kevin Byard, they need someone to compete against Craig Woodson for snaps at the position.
In 2025, Woodson allowed seven touchdowns and a 133.9 passer rating in coverage. Stewart is a solid eight-year veteran who can push him for a spot alongside Byard. With a loaded secondary, the Texans won't demand much for the versatile defensive back.
New York Jets: Trade a late 2027 pick for Tampa Bay Buccaneers LB SirVocea Dennis
At 37, Demario Davis is a starting-caliber linebacker on a two-year deal. The Jets must consider the future at the position—someone to pair alongside Jamien Sherwood.
Gang Green may be able to bring in Dennis for a late-round pick. He could be the odd man out after the Buccaneers overhauled their linebacker group. As a first-time, full-time starter last year, he logged 101 tackles (10 for loss) and three sacks. The 26-year-old needs to sharpen his coverage technique, but he still has some upside.
AFC North
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Baltimore Ravens: Trade a late 2027 pick for Houston Texans IOL Jarrett Patterson
The Ravens have a major void to fill at center following the departure of three-time Pro Bowler Tyler Linderbaum. Unproven veterans Danny Pinter and Jovaughn Gwyn are battling for the open position.
The Ravens can acquire a known commodity in Patterson, who has started in 21 games at center and left guard for the Texans. The versatile interior offensive lineman could be on the trade block with the addition of Keylan Rutledge, Wyatt Teller, Evan Brown and Febechi Nwaiwu this offseason.
Cincinnati Bengals: Trade a late 2027 pick for Los Angeles Chargers RB Kimani Vidal
Regardless of what happens with running back Chase Brown's contract situation, the Bengals should look for a reliable backup tailback younger than Samaje Perine, who turns 31 in September.
Last season, Vidal filled in well for Omarion Hampton, racking up 117-plus rushing yards in three of his 10 starts. The Chargers signed speedy running back Keaton Mitchell for new offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel's system. The Bengals should inquire about Vidal's availability.
Cleveland Browns: Trade QB Dillon Gabriel for a late 2027 pick
According to The Athletic's Zac Jackson, Deshaun Watson and Shedeur Sanders are battling for the starting job. Based on his report of the team's quarterback competition, Gabriel will be a backup at best in the upcoming season.
Assuming the Browns target signal-callers in the 2027 draft, they should trade Gabriel before Week 1. As a rookie in six starts, he threw for 937 yards, seven touchdowns and two interceptions with a 59.5 percent completion rate. A team in need of a primary backup may be willing to take a flier on him.
Pittsburgh Steelers: Trade a mid-round 2027 pick for Jacksonville Jaguars LT Walker Little
The Steelers have options at left tackle while Broderick Jones recovers from a neck injury. They can slide right tackle Troy Fautanu to the left side, as the team did during the spring, or attempt to fast-track rookie first-rounder Max Iheanachor's ascension into a starting role.
General manager Omar Khan should consider a third option: trading for Little, who lost the Jaguars' starting left tackle position to Cole Van Lanen last season.
Little has 39 career starts in five campaigns. He could man the Steelers' vacant offensive tackle spot until Iheanachor is ready to take the field.
AFC South
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Houston Texans: Trade a late 2027 pick for Miami Dolphins RB Jaylen Wright
The Texans acquired running back David Montgomery from the Detroit Lions to bolster their ground attack. He's entering his age-29 term after sharing the backfield with Jahmyr Gibbs for three seasons. Houston should add another early-down ball-carrier to split touches with Montgomery. Last season, Woody Marks averaged an inefficient 3.6 yards per carry as the team's lead rusher.
Houston can inquire about Wright, who may be expendable on the Miami Dolphins' rebuilding squad. He's in competition with Ollie Gordon II for the No. 2 spot behind De'Von Achane. This move would give the Texans a solid early-down duo while Marks retains a specialist receiving role and adds kick-return duties.
Indianapolis Colts: Trade a late 2027 pick for Washington Commanders RB Jerome Ford
Daniel Jones is recovering from a torn Achilles and has an extensive injury history. The Colts signed him to a two-year, $88 million extension. To get the most out of that investment, Indianapolis should take some pressure off the quarterback with a strong complementary ground attack.
Running back Jonathan Taylor logged a league-leading 323 carries last season. The last time he finished with 320-plus rush attempts (2021), the workhorse ball-carrier missed several games in the following season. The Colts need a solid No. 2 rusher who can also be an outlet in the short passing game. Ford can fill that role. He's currently the No. 3 tailback on the Commanders depth chart behind Jacory Croskey-Merritt and Rachaad White.
Jacksonville Jaguars: Trade a late 2027 pick for Miami Dolphins LB Tyrel Dodson
The Jaguars can attempt to upgrade the linebacker position, or at least bring in a proven player to compete against Ventrell Miller for a starting spot to solidify their front seven.
After three seasons in a backup role, Dodson has been a productive starter with the Buffalo Bills, Seattle Seahawks and Miami Dolphins. Last season, he recorded 129 tackles (10 for loss), five sacks, three pass breakups and an interception. Despite those numbers, Miami may not retain him on an expiring contract in a rebuild year.
Tennessee Titans: Trade LB Cody Barton for a mid-round 2027 pick
Under a new coaching regime, the Titans selected linebacker Anthony Hill in the second round of this year's draft, which may indicate that Barton could land on the trade block.
Linebacker Cedric Gray is a probable starter. If Hill picks up head coach Robert Saleh's scheme at training camp, Barton may be the No. 3 linebacker on the depth chart. He would likely draw interest on the trade market after logging 81 tackles (four for loss), three interceptions and 11 pass breakups last season.
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AFC West
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Denver Broncos: Trade CB Riley Moss for 2027 Day 2 pick
This seems like a questionable move, but Denver selected Jahdae Barron in the first round of the 2025 draft. If the Broncos don't intend to sign Moss to an extension in a contract year, they should trade him at peak value and elevate Barron on the depth chart before Week 1.
In 2025, Moss started in all 17 games, tying Carolina Panthers cornerback Michael Jackson for a league-leading 19 pass breakups. On the trade block, he could draw interest from multiple suitors in need of a starter on the boundary.
Kansas City Chiefs: Trade CB Kristian Fulton for a late 2027 pick
Assuming rookie first-rounder Mansoor Delane starts on the boundary, Nohl Williams, L'Jarius Sneed and Fulton will battle for the No. 2 spot. A third-round pick from the 2025 draft, Williams has upside. Sneed is back for his second stint in Kansas City and has experience in Steve Spagnuolo's system.
Fulton will likely be the odd man out of the cornerback rotation. He missed nine games last season due to injuries and has only one year left on his deal. The Chiefs should shop him in exchange for 2027 draft capital. At 27, with 53 career starts, Fulton could carve out a decent role elsewhere.
Las Vegas Raiders: Trade a late 2027 pick for Cincinnati Bengals DT Kris Jenkins Jr.
In a transition to an odd-man front, the Raiders entered the offseason with a need at nose tackle. Yet they didn't invest premium draft capital or sign a premier free agent to fill the position. At 32, Adam Butler is the front-runner for that role.
The Raiders can add a young interior defender to develop as a future starting nose tackle. They should make a call for Jenkins, who may be buried on the Cincinnati Bengals depth chart after the team signed Jonathan Allen and acquired Dexter Lawrence II from the New York Giants.
In his 2024 rookie campaign, Jenkins showed some flashes, recording 31 tackles (three for loss) and three sacks. Still only 24, the third-year pro has room for growth if he sees the field in a decent role.
Los Angeles Chargers: Trade RB Kimani Vidal for a late 2027 pick
As a fill-in for Omarion Hampton, Vidal made the most of his opportunities last season. He started in 10 out of 13 games, racking up a team-leading 643 yards on the ground.
Despite Vidal's contributions in the previous campaign, the Chargers signed Keaton Mitchell under new offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel, who favors speed at the skill positions.
If Mitchell claims the No. 2 spot on the depth chart, Los Angeles should shop Vidal, who could be more than serviceable for a team that needs running back help.
NFC East
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Dallas Cowboys: Trade edge Marist Liufau for a late 2027 pick
Under new defensive coordinator Christian Parker, Liufau will transition to edge-rusher. In two years as an off-ball linebacker, he has been unable to make a significant impact. The former third-rounder has 80 tackles (five for loss), 2.5 sacks and three pass breakups in 34 games (14 starts).
If Liufau struggles with a move to the edge, the Cowboys could shop him before final roster cuts. Teams in need of a rotational pass-rusher may see untapped potential in the 25-year-old at his new position.
New York Giants: Trade CB Deonte Banks for a late 2027 pick
The Giants may not be eager to trade a recent first-round pick for a Day 3 selection. However, Banks is unlikely to regain a starting role in the secondary. Big Blue signed Greg Newsome II and drafted Colton Hood in the second round this year.
Last offseason, Banks lost a starting job on the boundary and played a bigger role on special teams. He returned a kick for a touchdown in Week 17 against the Las Vegas Raiders. As the Giants turn the page on his days as a starter, another team may show interest in giving him a second opportunity to compete for a lead position.
Philadelphia Eagles: Trade DT Jalen Carter for Arizona Cardinals EDGE Josh Sweat
Here's a blockbuster deal that could solve issues for both teams.
According to Sports Illustrated's Albert Breer, the Eagles are "hesitant" to sign Carter to an extension. Philadelphia has a need on the edge with Jalyx Hunt and Nolan Smith Jr. likely to compete for snaps opposite Jonathan Greenard. Hunt has made strides, but he has been a rotational player for two years.
The Eagles can upgrade their pass rush by bringing back Sweat, who played for the team between 2018 and 2024. According to ESPN's Dan Graziano, the 29-year-old edge-rusher has "let it be known" that he's not happy in Arizona. The Cardinals can swap him for Carter, who's younger and can contribute to the pass rush on the interior of the defensive line.
Washington Commanders: Trade a 2027 5th-round pick for New England Patriots WR Kayshon Boutte
If the Commanders don't sign hometown favorite Stefon Diggs, they can make a move on the trade market for a No. 2 wide receiver. The Commanders need a big-play perimeter playmaker to complement Terry McLaurin.
Boutte has shown the ability to stretch the field, averaging 16.7 yards per catch last season. But the Patriots signed Romeo Doubs and acquired A.J. Brown from the Eagles, which leaves fewer targets to go around for the receiver group.
Washington may be able to get Boutte for a fifth-round pick, reuniting him with fellow LSU product, Jayden Daniels.
NFC North
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Chicago Bears: Trade a late 2027 pick for Kansas City Chiefs DE Felix Anudike-Uzomah
ESPN's Adam Schefter reported that the Bears don't have the financial resources to take a big swing for Las Vegas Raiders edge-rusher Maxx Crosby. If that's true, Chicago can look to bolster its pass-rushing depth with a former first-round pick.
Last August, Kansas City placed Anudike-Uzomah on injured reserve with a hamstring injury, which sidelined him for the entire 2025 season. He's made minimal impact with the Chiefs, recording 41 tackles (eight for loss), three sacks and 19 pressures.
Yet Anudike-Uzomah showed brief promise during the 2024 campaign, playing 31 percent of the defensive snaps. Perhaps a restart with a new team that needs a pass-rusher would give him more opportunities to showcase his potential.
Detroit Lions: Trade a late 2027 pick for Indianapolis Colts CB Jaylon Jones
The Lions waived Terrion Arnold, who, according to the Hillsborough County State Attorney's Office, is facing multiple felony charges stemming from an alleged February robbery and kidnapping in Tampa. They can turn to seven-year pro Rock Ya-Sin, or they can pursue a younger option with more upside.
In 2024, Colts cornerback Jaylon Jones started in 17 games, recording 100 tackles (three for loss), 12 pass breakups and two interceptions while allowing a decent 86 passer rating and just one touchdown in coverage.
He's fallen on the depth chart with the addition of Sauce Gardner and Charvarius Ward over the past year. Jones could blossom with another opportunity to start elsewhere.
Green Bay Packers: Trade a Day 2 2027 pick for Pittsburgh Steelers EDGE Alex Highsmith
Micah Parsons told reporters that he will start the 2026 season on the physically unable to perform list while recovering from a torn ACL and meniscus damage, which will sideline him for at least four games. Keep in mind that the Packers traded edge-rusher Rashan Gary to the Dallas Cowboys.
Green Bay can replenish its depleted outside linebacker group with a move for Highsmith, who may want a new contract. The Steelers edge-rusher doesn't have any guaranteed money in the final two years of his deal. With $23.4 million in cap space, the Packers can acquire Highsmith, rework his contract and fill a glaring need on the edge.
Minnesota Vikings: Trade a late 2027 pick for Kansas City Chiefs CB Kristian Fulton
Aside from Byron Murphy Jr., the Vikings' cornerback group is highly questionable with Isaiah Rodgers and James Pierre in line for big roles. Rodgers had a decent 2025 campaign, allowing an 88.2 passer rating in coverage. Pierre only has 13 career starts.
Minnesota should add veteran insurance to cover the boundary when Murphy lines up in the slot. Fulton could be serviceable in that role. Last year, he only appeared in eight games but allowed a solid 81.7 passer rating in coverage. The 27-year-old may be behind L'Jarius Sneed and Nohl Williams on the Chiefs' depth chart.
With 53 career starts, Fulton could take on a prominent role on the perimeter in nickel packages or provide quality depth.
NFC South
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Atlanta Falcons: Trade a late 2027 pick for WR Marvin Mims Jr.
The Falcons don't have a clear-cut No. 2 receiver. Jahan Dotson, Olamide Zaccheaus and rookie third-rounder Zachariah Branch will compete for targets behind lead wideout Drake London.
Atlanta can fill that role with outside help from a receiver who's buried on the Broncos' depth chart. Denver acquired Jaylen Waddle from the Miami Dolphins. Courtland Sutton and Troy Franklin have a strong rapport with quarterback Bo Nix. The coaching staff could look to further develop second-year wideout Pat Bryant.
Mims knows this year could be his last in Denver. Atlanta can speed up the process and acquire him to address a glaring roster need.
Carolina Panthers: Trade a mid-round 2027 pick for Los Angeles Rams TE Colby Parkinson
The Panthers don't have a high-end playmaker at tight end. Ja'Tavion Sanders and Tommy Tremble are both mediocre at best in the passing game. In order to aid quarterback Bryce Young's development, Carolina can target a pass-catching tight end on the trade market.
The Rams have a crowded tight end room. Parkinson, Tyler Higbee, Terrance Ferguson and Davis Allen all played at least 31 percent of the snaps at that position last season. Los Angeles added rookie second-rounder Max Klare to the group.
Though Parkinson led the Rams' tight ends with eight touchdowns last year, the club may be willing to trade him if Ferguson (a 2025 second-rounder) and Klare show they're ready to take on big roles this year.
New Orleans Saints: Trade a late 2027 pick for Bills WR Josh Palmer
If the Bills plan to keep wideout Keon Coleman and allow him a chance to bounce back from a regression season, Palmer could be on the way out of Buffalo after one term. The 26-year-old had an uneventful 2025 campaign, hauling in 22 passes for 303 scoreless yards.
The Saints can reunite Palmer with head coach Kellen Moore, who called plays for the Los Angeles Chargers offense when the wideout caught 38 passes for 581 yards and two touchdowns in 2023. New Orleans can bring him in as veteran insurance if there are concerns about rookie first-rounder Jordyn Tyson's durability.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Trade ILB SirVocea Dennis for a late 2027 pick
Tampa Bay revamped its linebacker unit with the addition of Alex Anzalone, Christian Rozeboom and rookie second-rounder Josiah Trotter.
Although Dennis started in 16 games, logging 101 tackles (10 for loss), three sacks and an interception with the club in the previous season, he may be expendable because of the new acquisitions.
It's also worth noting the three-year pro allowed a 122 passer rating last year. Dennis' limitations on passing downs could cost him a roster spot.
NFC West
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Arizona Cardinals: Trade edge Josh Sweat for 2027 Day 2 pick
If the Cardinals can't find a trade partner who's willing to swap a player for Sweat, they should try stockpiling 2027 draft capital. With the idea that the incoming class could be an elite group, next year's early-round picks have great value.
ESPN's Dan Graziano reported that Sweat isn't happy in Arizona. Instead of keeping a disgruntled player on a rebuilding team, general manager Monti Ossenfort should look to flip him for a top-100 pick in next year's draft.
Los Angeles Rams: Trade a late 2027 pick for New England Patriots WR DeMario Douglas
The Rams have one of the league's best receiver tandems with Puka Nacua and Davante Adams, but the No. 3 spot is wide open. Although Nacua and Adams frequently shift inside the formation, the offense could fit in a primary slot receiver.
Los Angeles may be able to acquire Douglas in exchange for a late 2027 draft pick. He saw a drop-off in his receiving numbers last season, and the Patriots added wideouts A.J. Brown and Romeo Doubs this offseason. If New England doesn't trade Kayshon Boutte, Douglas could be on the move.
As a result, Los Angeles can pounce on an opportunity to bring in a 25-year-old wideout with a solid resume. Douglas has 146 receptions for 1,629 yards and six touchdowns.
San Francisco 49ers: Trade QB Mac Jones for a 2027 2nd-round pick
Because of quarterback Brock Purdy's injury history, the 49ers should keep Jones unless a team offers at least a second-round pick. With that said, San Francisco Chronicle's Eric Branch believes the team might trade Jones if 2025 seventh-rounder Kurtis Rourke seems capable of serving as the primary backup.
Keep in mind that Jones is set to be a free agent next offseason and may chase an opportunity to start elsewhere. Coming off a season in which he threw for 2,151 yards, 13 touchdowns and six interceptions in 11 games (eight fill-in starts), he won't be able to increase his stock unless Purdy is on the sidelines.
Seattle Seahawks: Trade a mid-round 2027 pick for Las Vegas Raiders IOL Jackson Powers-Johnson
The Seahawks have a decent offensive line, though they can attempt to upgrade it on the interior. Aside from 2025 first-rounder Grey Zabel, Seattle has replacement-level starters in center Jalen Sundell and right guard Anthony Bradford.
The reigning champions lost lead running back Kenneth Walker III in free agency, but they can field a productive ground attack with a high-end offensive line group. The Seahawks should inquire about Powers-Johnson, who's battling for a starting guard position with the Raiders in consecutive offseasons.
If Powers-Johnson doesn't earn a starting job at guard, head coach Klint Kubiak may be willing to give his former team a parting gift. Powers-Johnson could play his natural position at center in Seattle, which won't happen in Las Vegas with three-time Pro Bowler Tyler Linderbaum in that spot.
Player contract and team salary cap details are provided by Over the Cap.
Maurice Moton covers the NFL for Bleacher Report. You can follow him on Twitter @MoeMoton.
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